What to do immediately after an assault:

DONíT wash your hands, shower, douche, brush your hair, change your clothes, or move anything until you have made some other important decisions.

DO go to the hospital—You will be examined for injury, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases. Evidence will also be collected. Police will transport you if you don't have your own transportation. Take a change of clothes because yours will be needed as evidence.

DONíT blame yourself— If you were sexually assaulted, nothing you did or didn't do puts you at fault. The only person responsible is the person who forced or coerced you into sexual activity. They could have chosen otherwise.

DO TALK to someone—Although you may think you are fine, it is important to talk about what happened and to get some counseling from a professional. DO take the time you need to recover from the attack. But DONíT let it control your life. You have the right to heal and to recover from the attack.

DO report the crime—Most rapists are repeat offenders. By reporting the crime and cooperating with the police, you may prevent others from being attacked. Furthermore, doing something— anything— can help you feel in control once more.

DO understand your rights—legally and ethically— as a survivor of assault:

You have the right to be offered an advocate from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.

You have the right to be given priority status as a patient.

You have the right to be questioned and treated in a private area.

You have the right to have another support person (in addition to the advocate) present during the interview and/or forensic exam.

You have the right to refuse to speak with law enforcement personnel if they arrive at the hospital.

You have the right to refuse any part of the forensic exam.

You have the right to have each step of the exam explained to you before it is performed.

You have the right to have the exam paid for by The Ohio Attorney General's Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Program.

You have the right to apply for additional compensation through The Ohio Crime Victims Compensation Act.